Keller · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Keller public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Accessory Structure Setback Encroachments and Size Limits
A 6,620-square-foot metal accessory building proposed on 4.5 acres on Mount Gilead Road raised the question of how large is too large for a backyard structure next to an older subdivision. The commission unanimously said it was too industrial for the neighborhood.
Accessory Dwelling Unit and Medical Land Use Approvals
Elite Care Assisted Living wants to grow from six to eight residents on Big Bend Drive, but neighbors — including two children — packed the hearing to describe traffic, parking and safety worries. The commission unanimously recommended denial, though the facility can keep operating at six.
Old Town Keller / Keller Depot Restroom and Economic Development
A solo barbershop in a 288-square-foot Old Town building and the Luna Loco murals both won commission support, continuing the revitalization of the promenade district.
Garages of America on a difficult Town Center tract
A 5.5-acre remnant tract behind Keller Parkway retail that sat unsold for 20 years would become self-storage plus 43 privately owned garage condos for car collectors. Commissioners called it the best realistic use for a tough site, though one neighbor objected to shifting away from Town Center zoning.
Samantha Springs Mixed-Use Development Proposal
A developer wanted to build 31 brownstone townhomes and commercial space at 800 N. Main Street, but residents and council members pushed back because the commercial buildings weren't required to be built right away. Ultimately, the council voted down the project to prevent another half-empty commercial center.
Proposed Keller Sports Authority Board
Following complaints about poor sportsmanship, contract violations, and financial transparency among youth sports associations, the city council and parks board discussed ways to improve oversight, increase reporting frequency, and enforce user agreements.
Providence Residential Subdivision Development
A developer proposed a 22-lot custom home neighborhood on 20.93 excess school district acres on Johnson Road. After hearing neighbor concerns and council feedback, the developer agreed to drop a lot, increase lot sizes, and add privacy fencing and a gated pedestrian path.
Old Town Keller Parking and Salon Concentration
The commission grappled with parking shortages and the growing number of hair salons and spas in Old Town Keller when reviewing a proposed salon suite project at 207 S. Elm Street.
Preserve at Willow Creek Zoning Change
A developer wants to rezone 13.65 acres on Norma Lane from large lots to 26 smaller single-family lots with open space. Nearby residents raised serious concerns about major stormwater drainage issues and increased neighborhood density.
Automatic License Plate Readers (Flock Cameras)
Residents and council members discussed the police department's use of ALPR cameras, with requests to codify existing privacy safeguards and guardrails into a city ordinance rather than relying solely on departmental policy.
Impacts of Surpassing 50,000 Population Milestone
City staff presented an analysis of the municipal impacts when Keller's population exceeds 50,000, projected to occur around 2030. The transition will shift traffic signal responsibilities and grant funding eligibility, costing an estimated $470,000 annually in recurring expenses.
Creation of Community Facilities Zoning District
The city is adding a new zoning district to properly classify public parks, government buildings, and schools in the UDC. The change requires SUPs for certain facilities like athletic stadiums and religious institutions.
7 Brew Coffee Drive-Thru and Shopping Center Revitalization
An existing 1980s retail center at 901 Keller Parkway is getting a major facelift, including a new 7 Brew Coffee with a double drive-thru. Developers requested nine variances on landscaping and parking because of the property's existing layout.
Westlake Data Center Legal Challenge
Residents and city officials are fighting a massive 1.1 million-square-foot data center planned by Westlake just 506 feet from Keller homes and Ridgeview Elementary School. They are concerned about constant low-frequency noise, immense water and power consumption, plummeting property values, and a lack of transparency from Westlake.
Kroger Relocation and Traffic Impacts
Kroger is proposing a massive new 99,000+ square-foot grocery store with fuel pumps and a drive-thru pharmacy at 1025 Keller Parkway, which would replace the existing store across the street. While the applicant promises state-of-the-art amenities, numerous local residents voiced deep concern over worsening traffic congestion and safety hazards around Rufe Snow Drive and Keller Parkway.
Altavista Waterline Rehabilitation Project
The city reviewed interlocal agreements and federal grants with Southlake to rehabilitate a critical 5-mile water transmission line using trenchless PVC insertion.
Short-Term Rental Regulations
City officials discussed exploring reasonable rules and registration fees for short-term rentals after reviewing how neighboring cities like North Richland Hills handle them.
TIRZ No. 2 Annual Report and Financial Status
The board reviewed Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 2 financials, noting a projected fund balance of $1.75 million by the end of FY27 and discussing potential infrastructure projects.
Self-Insurance Fund Sustainability
Rising medical claims and inflation have impacted the city's self-insurance fund, prompting adjustments to employee deductibles, premium contributions, and increased city funding.
FY 2026-2027 Proposed Tax Rate and Budget
Staff presented the preliminary FY 2026-27 budget, which totals $112.5 million and maintains property tax rates below the state's no-new-revenue rate for the ninth consecutive year. The plan includes record compensation adjustments for public safety personnel and key investments in infrastructure.
Setback Variance in Highland Terrace Mobile Home Park
A property owner in the Highland Terrace Mobile Home Park requested a front yard setback reduction to 25 feet to place a new manufactured home.
TRIDENT Center Regional Police Partnership
Keller is joining forces with Fort Worth and other regional cities to participate in the TRIDENT Center, boosting real-time crime intelligence and investigative resources.
Automobile Electric Charging Stations UDC Amendment
City leaders proposed requiring Special Use Permits for EV charging stations in various retail and neighborhood zoning districts. Commissioners clarified and amended the proposal to ensure single-family homeowners do not need an SUP for home chargers.
Indoor Entertainment Facility on Keller Parkway
Chalk & Steel Co. proposed an indoor billiards and dart venue on Keller Parkway with late-night hours. Commissioners addressed community concerns regarding alcohol service, security, and noise near adjacent residential areas.
Keller Youth Council Establishment
Student Avani Pant presented a proposal to establish a student-led Keller Youth Council, giving local youth a structured platform to develop community programs and advise city leaders.
Mount Gilead Road Project and Early Tree Removal
Public works officials updated the council on the Mount Gilead Road project design and proposed removing trees along the right-of-way early to prevent utility relocation delays by Tri-Electric.
Detached Garage Specific Use Permit at 1289 Ottinger Road
A property owner requested permission to build an 1,815-square-foot detached garage that exceeds neighborhood size and height limits. The old main house on the property will be demolished to make way for the new structure.
Unified Development Code Amendments for Town Center Medical Overlay
The city is updating zoning rules so that veterinary clinics and grooming-only kennels in the Town Center Medical Overlay require a special permit instead of being allowed automatically.
Accessory Building SUP at 912 Keller Smithfield Road S.
An applicant requested approval for a 2,259-square-foot detached accessory building with an 18-foot average height. Neighbors raised questions about property maintenance, drainage, and privacy, which were addressed by the builder confirming no side windows.
Unified Development Code Home Occupation Review
The city is reviewing potential changes to home occupation rules to better handle resident complaints about parking, traffic, and commercial activities in residential areas.
The Preserve at Keller Oaks Development & Traffic Concerns
A proposed 39-acre development with 59 homes and commercial space raised concerns among neighbors about cut-through traffic and whether neighborhood access gates should remain closed.
Citywide Solid Waste and Recycling Franchise Agreement
The city is evaluating proposals from multiple vendors to renew its solid waste, recycling, and bulk trash collection services before the current contract expires in September.
Capital Improvement Projects Update
Public works officials updated the city on major infrastructure progress, highlighting that the Keller Sports Park is nearly 90 percent complete. The project features upgraded baseball fields, synthetic turf, batting cages, and road improvements slated for a spring ribbon cutting.
Special Election for City Council Place 4
The city officially certified the June 13 runoff election results, seating Jarrett Armstrong for Place 4.
November 2026 Charter Amendment Election
The council discussed moving local elections from May to November to align with uniform election dates and reduce voter fatigue from multiple yearly elections. Staff was directed to draft ballot language for August consideration.
Indian Knoll Trail Plat Reconfiguration and Right-of-Way Abandonment
Property owners are combining two existing residential lots into one and getting rid of an unused street right-of-way dedication from 1984.
Subdivision Platting and Variances at 600 Norma Lane
A property owner is dividing a 2.78-acre lot on Norma Lane into three single-family residential lots with slight lot-depth reductions. The commission approved forwarding the request to city council with minor variances.
Commercial Office Space SUP in Old Town Keller
A local financial planning business is expanding its footprint in Old Town Keller by adding over 1,000 square feet and upgrading the exterior facade with grant assistance.
Large Accessory Structure SUP at 1920 Winter Drive
A property owner requested a special use permit to build a large 2,385 square-foot detached garage for vehicle collections, featuring custom exterior details that match the main home.
Town Hall Restroom Renovation Project Phase II
The city is reviewing a contract bid for the second phase of restroom renovations at Town Hall.
Transparency in Municipal Board Appointments
A local resident raised concerns regarding potential perceived conflicts of interest and political connections in board and commission appointments.
Baylor Scott & White Physical Therapy Relocation to Town Center
Alpha & Omega Chiropractic requested an SUP to relocate its practice to a larger building on Lorine Street in Old Town Keller, expanding pediatric and wellness services.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Request on Florence Road
Property owners on Florence Road requested a specific use permit and variance to build a 1,501 square-foot accessory dwelling unit on their 2.67-acre lot.
Keller ISD Natatorium Closure and Repair Funding
The city-owned natatorium is closed due to a failing filter system and costly repairs, displacing hundreds of competitive swimmers and families who travel long distances to alternative pools. Residents are asking the city to partner with the school district and Lakeside Aquatic Club to fund repairs, while council members debate fairness, regional contributions from neighboring cities, and the terms of the $10-per-year lease.
Mayoral Transition
Keller has a new mayor, Ross McMullin, who just took the oath of office. His leadership style will be the main factor in how the city handles new development and local policy moving forward.
Budget Strategic Planning & Sales Tax Trends
Results from the resident survey show strong community satisfaction with city services, parks, and safety, providing data for upcoming fiscal budget discussions.
Specific Use Permits for Commercial and Residential Projects
The council approved permits allowing a backyard cottage, a medical spa, and a new medical office space.
Unpermitted Construction and Contractor Accountability
A homeowner built an oversized detached garage without a finalized permit, leading to stop-work orders while the contractor allegedly misled them about compliance. The commission debated whether to penalize the property owner through a denial or hold the absent contractor accountable.
May 2026 General and Special Elections Certification
The city officially recorded election outcomes for mayor and multiple council seats, establishing leadership for the upcoming term. An unresolved race for Place 4 also necessitated scheduling a June runoff.
Utility Billing Rates and Fee Adjustments
Increased wholesale water costs from Fort Worth and wastewater service costs have necessitated utility rate adjustments, averaging about $6.02 more per billing period for residents.